Spain-based berry business Surexport has snapped up a majority stake in Jong Fruit, the Dutch strawberry producer.
Financial details were not disclosed.
Jong Fruit’s founding shareholders and brothers Arian de Jong and Rob van der Wouw will continue to lead the business alongside Surexport.
The Dutch company, which is based in Dongen, produces 2.5m strawberries per year, according to its website.
From its base in Huelva in Spain, Surexport supplies strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries to European retailers, mainly in the UK, Germany, central Europe and the Benelux markets, as well as to domestic customers.
The Spanish business said the acquisition of Jong Fruit “marks a promising step in Surexport’s growth strategy, focused on innovation, quality, year-round supply and longstanding relationships with top tier European retailers”.
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Van der Wouw said: “For a long time I have believed in joining forces in an international soft fruit platform. During my first meeting with Surexport, I immediately saw the many opportunities and synergies that were possible for both parties. Our shared passion for the Inspire variety confirmed my conviction. It was therefore not a difficult decision for me to sell my shares to Surexport and remain active within the team.”
De Jong added: “I look forward to proudly leading the platform for Surexport in Northwest Europe in the role of managing director and diligently building on this strategic combination.”
Surexport’s CEO Andrés Morales said: “This acquisition fits perfectly within our growth strategy and allows us to strengthen our presence in north-west Europe. We are delighted to welcome aboard the Jong Fruit team and work together towards becoming the undisputed leading European berry producer.”
In October, Surexport bought local peer Flor de Doñana, AG Group in Morocco and Portugal’s Solana Fruits, supported by private-equity investors.
